Nathan Bax stands out a bit in a crowd of Helias Crusader football players.
At 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, it's hard not to notice the senior tight end/defensive end.
"You have the tangibles when you're that size, you definitely stand out," Helias head coach Tim Rulo said Saturday morning as the team hosted Media Day at Ray Hentges Field. "You know he's going to be big on the scouting reports for other teams this season."
Bax has drawn the attention of colleges. He has received college offers from South Dakota State, Illinois State, Southern Illinois and Missouri Western. Additional offers will surely be coming.
But that decision will be made later.
"I'm very excited and very blessed," Bax said. "But right now, I have to focus on the season and deal with the present. After that, I can think about going to the next level and see what happens."
Bax is one of a handful of returning starters for Helias, which finished with a record of 7-5 last season. He believes the Crusaders gained some valuable experience this summer as the team attended several team camps.
"It was nice to go those, it gave us a game-like feeling and let us get some work on against other teams," Bax said.
On offense, Bax averaged 30.5 yards per reception last season while scoring four touchdowns.
"He's a physical blocker and he is a very big target out there in the pass game," Rulo said.
On the defensive side, Bax earned all-district honors as he totaled 46 tackles, including a team-high 13 for loss. Bax also led the team with three sacks.
"He's a great speed rusher, he can really get into the backfield and disrupt some plays," Rulo said.
Bax is continuing to work hard on becoming a better player.
"He has a great motor when he plays, he does a great job with that," Rulo said. "He works hard, he puts the time in and the kids respect him for that.
"He's not the most vocal guy, but he's learning and growing as a leader."
Helias will open the regular season Friday, Aug. 18 against Hannibal.
"We are focused on the first game," Bax, who earned all-district basketball honors last winter, said. "That will be a game we can build on. If we get that one, we'll get the season off right and go from there, work hard to win districts and bring that trophy back home."
That game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start at Helias.